South Park, Battlestar Win

 
By Sherri April 08, 2006




Two of iTunes' standout downloadable shows have landed themselves some pretty big recognition in the 65th Annual Peabody Awards. South Park and Battlestar Galactica were both honored with the prestigious awards for excellence in broadcasting.

The Peabody Awards are overseen by the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. Winners are selected by the 16-member Peabody Board after review by special screening committees of faculty, students and staff.

South Park finally garnered some attention for its straight shooting lampoons of anything that deserves lampooning. The say-it-like-it-is show has a reputation of being an equal opportunity offender, willing to take on any issue no matter how big or small.

Battlestar also was honored with an official Peabody. The groundbreaking remake of the 1970s series is considered by many to be the best sci-fi show ever. It wraps poignant social commentary within a sci-fi vehicle.

Both shows are available on iTunes and both are quite worthy of recognition.

In a time when generally only "serious" shows and movies (or pompous programming in some circles) are the predominate ones to receive recognition from the industry's awards organizations, it's very nice to see satire and sci-fi finally getting the attention they deserve. Both shows, despite or even in spite of their formats, give viewers something others do not.

South Park delivers serious social commentary couched in biting comedy. Battlestar presents major issues within the scope of a well-written and well-acted sci-fi vehicle that appeals to many. Neither should be taken lightly and thanks to the recognition maybe both will get the recognition they deserve on a more mainstream basis.

The awards will be presented June 5 during a ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Jon Stewart of Comedy Central will emcee the event. (Stewart's also a past Peabody winner.)

Source: Peabody Awards